Tours in Puno

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at 3,812 meters above sea level on the border between Peru and Bolivia. Its deep blue waters are surrounded by Aymara and Quechua communities that keep alive traditions more than a thousand years old, and it’s home to islands whose history and culture are unmatched anywhere else on the American continent.

The Lake Titicaca tour combines three unique experiences: the Floating Islands of the Uros built from totora, the lake’s aquatic reed, using a technique dating back to Inca times, Taquile Island, where men weave wool hats on the hillsides and the community welcomes visitors in perfect harmony with its culture, and Amantaní Island, where you can experience an authentic homestay dining, sleeping and having breakfast in a local family’s home.

Machu Picchu Peru Tours operates the Uros, Taquile and Amantaní 2-day 1-night tour with daily departures from the Puno pier. We also offer the Uros Floating Islands full-day tour for those with less time.

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Travel guide: Puno

Practical info to plan your visit

Best time to visit

The best time for Lake Titicaca is the dry season, from May to October. The lake is calmer, days are sunny, and the starry nights in Amantaní are spectacular. November to April is the wet season it can rain and nights get very cold (down to -5°C). The lake is still visitable, but the experience is less comfortable.

Getting around

The Puno pier (departure point for all the boat tours) is 5 minutes by taxi from downtown. On the Uros Islands the visit is on foot (the islands are no more than 100 meters across). On Taquile there are 580 steps from the harbor to the main square (30-45 minutes climbing). On Amantaní local guides accompany you to the family's home and the temple. Machu Picchu Peru Tours coordinates boats, local guides and the full homestay logistics.

What to pack

Warm clothing: Puno sits at 3,812 masl and nights are very cold (0 to -8°C). Bring a down jacket or thick fleece, a hat, scarf and gloves.
SPF 50+ sunscreen: The altitude and the reflection off the lake's water intensify UV radiation.
Altitude sickness medication: Puno is the highest destination on the Peruvian circuit. If you've arrived from Lima without prior acclimatization, take precautions.
Cash in soles: There are no ATMs or card payments on the islands.

Must-see places

Uros Floating Islands (early): Arrive at 8-9am before the large groups for the most authentic experience.
Sunrise from Amantaní: The lake reflecting the snow-capped Andes as you wake up the homestay is worth it for this moment alone.
Taquile textiles: Men weaving as they walk the trails a living tradition declared a UNESCO Heritage.
Traditional dance in Amantaní: The family lends traditional clothing and there's dancing at the community hall genuine cultural immersion.

Tourism in Puno

Top attractions

Lake Titicaca (highest navigable lake in the world)
Uros Islands (floating)
Taquile Island
Amantaní Island
Sillustani Chullpas
Chuculto Fertility Temple

Main activities

Uros Islands boat tour
Taquile Island visit
Family homestay on an island
Lake Titicaca kayaking
Amantaní Islands tour
Sillustani Chullpas visit
Sunset on the lake

Climate in Puno

Puno sits on the altiplano at 3,827 masl: sunny days and very cold nights year-round. The dry season has clearer skies but nighttime frosts.

Dry season - May to October

-5 to 17 C (very cold nights, sunny days)

Wet season - November to April

2 to 15 C (afternoon rain; lake fuller)

How to get to Puno?

From Cusco

Bus: 6-7 hours (route with altiplano scenery)
Plane: No direct flight

From Arequipa

Bus: 5-6 hours
Plane: No direct flight

From Lima

Bus: 18-20 hours
Plane: Flight to Juliaca (45 min, 30 km from Puno)

Where to stay in Puno?

5★ Hotels

Puno waterfront - GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
Isla Suasi - private eco-lodge (boat access)

3★ & 4★ Hotels

Downtown Puno and the waterfront (near the pier)
Taquile Island (community-run lodging)

Where to eat in Puno?

Regional dishes

Mojsa Restaurant (traditional Puno cuisine)
Tulipanes Restaurant (lake trout and kingfish)

National dishes

La Table de Chez Maggy (downtown Puno)
Balsa Restaurant (lake views)

Festivities in Puno

Tourist events

Candelaria Festival - February
Puno Week - November

Regional festivities

Candelaria - February (the largest folk festival in South America, UNESCO)
Puno Week - November 4-9 (city anniversary)

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Puno

How much does the Lake Titicaca tour from Puno cost?

The full-day Uros Islands tour is ideal for travelers who want to discover the famous floating islands in a single day. For a more immersive cultural experience, the 2-day tour to Uros, Taquile, and Amantani includes a traditional homestay with a local family, allowing visitors to experience authentic Andean customs and hospitality. Both tours typically include boat transportation, a professional guide, entrance tickets, and meals during the community stay.

Is the homestay on Lake Titicaca worth it?

Absolutely. The homestay on Amantaní or Taquile is one of the most authentic experiences in Peru. It's not a hotel it's a real local family's home, with home-cooked food, conversation about their culture, and the experience of waking up on an island in the highest lake in the world. It's priceless.

Can Lake Titicaca be done as a day trip from Cusco?

It's not advisable. Puno is 7 hours from Cusco. The ideal plan is to stay at least 1 night in Puno and do the Uros+Taquile tour as a full day. The Sun Route from Cusco to Puno by tourist bus (with stops at ruins along the way) is one of the most beautiful overland routes in Peru.

Tips and guides for your trip to Puno

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Attractions

Adventure Activities Around Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is a jewel of South America, nestled high in the Andes. It straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia. This majestic lake is a must-see for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. At an altitude of 3,812 meters, Lake Titicaca is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world. Its deep blue […]

28 Nov 2023 Read more

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Traveler Experiences

Hear from Those Who Have Experienced the Magic of Our Tours

4.9 out of 5 based on

+1200

reviews

See all reviews on TripAdvisor

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours.

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional.

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

The tour starts very early type 3-4 am, how good you can sleep on the way, we breakfast in a very good buffet and then depart for the mountain. Here the height is the problem, you can walk up but it requires a lot of condition, the good thing is that there are horses that you can pay and for 90 suns they leave you 15-20 minutes from the top. Wear layered clothes as you can warm up when climbing. We already walk down and the road is much easier. On horseback you go up in 40 minutes, you are on the mountain an hour to take pictures and the return is about 1 hour or so. In the end we still had lunch in the same very rich buffet!

Salvador M

September 19, 2025

I liked the Service and attention I received, plus the quality of the guide who touched us to know the sacred valley on the way to Machu Picchu was first class, with extensive knowledge of the Inca culture and with very good explanation, I highly recommend them.

Sarah E.

October 12, 2025

They were exceptional! Everything very organized, took care of all the details, we hired all the tours, lodging and transfer, we do not regret!

Veronica L.

October 12, 2025

Recommended 💯💯💯
What a beautiful place!!! Most of us went up there on mules. Important to clarify if the person weighs more than 110 kg he will not be able to carry it and will have to walk up . . . It is still very expensive, to have proper footwear

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours.

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional.

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

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Tours in Puno

The best tours in Puno

Route of the Sun Cusco – Puno Tour

Travel guide: Puno

Best time to visit

Getting around

What to pack

Must-see places

Tourism in Puno

Top attractions

Main activities

Climate in Puno

How to get to Puno?

From Cusco

From Arequipa

From Lima

Where to stay in Puno?

5★ Hotels

3★ & 4★ Hotels

Where to eat in Puno?

Regional dishes

National dishes

Festivities in Puno

Tourist events

Regional festivities

Frequently Asked Questions

Related articles

Adventure Activities Around Lake Titicaca

Hear from Those Who Have Experienced the Magic of Our Tours

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